The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-10-22

III ~ Ill LII ED.
"No, you shall not pass. have not
finished. Once more ask you. will
you release Miss Audley from her
WV ?"
mo VII, should /, when she does
not wis., il -
This Is your only answer -
"Certainly. You might have known
as much without asking y
Ralph placed his hand heavily on
Basil's shoulder, and drew him so close
that he could almost feel the mans
strong heart beating against him.
1T Is your own fault--you have
brought your doom upon yourself r.
Basil scarce heard those whispered
words. but he did feel the swift sharp
pain in his heart, and reeled back with
a low cry,
"What have you doneg" he asked
huskiiy, trying 10 overpower the dread
full falntness which made him nearly
fall.
His cropping hand caught nc the rich
velvet table-cover, and as he stagger-
cd, he dragged il with him.
The next instant there was crash,
and the room was suddenly plunged
into darkness darkness only light
ened by the pale rays of the moon.
No other sound was heard, except
Ralph's heavy breathing, and moan
OF pain wrung from Basil's parched
lips.
Good Heavens He has killed me ~
That hoarse cry made Ralph shiver,
and glance round in some alright, his
hand still clutching that swaying form.
AS his eyes went toward the win
dows. his heart gave terrible throb,
and he could barely suppress the ex-
clamation which rose TO his lips.
Standing in the soft moonlight, half
in. half out, the window, was a tall
ghostly form. It's white draperies fall
ing TO the ground; mass of pale hair
half screening the delicate face turned
toward the room.
"I.illy you here ?" Ralph gasped !;
and in his horror he loosened his hold
OF Basil, who fell with dull thud TO
the floor.
Like pale pure spirit, Lily gllded
across the room, straight TO that re-
cumbent form.
What is ity Why is il SO dark and
strange What Is the Matter with
Basil I" she whispered. gazing at Ross
Ign with wide searching eyes.
He stretched ont his hand, and
tried to draw her away.
My poor love T. he said pityingly !;
'sthis is no place for you. Come awayl"
But LILY wrcncbed herself from his
hold. and sank ON her knees beside
Basil.
The light was dim. but silvery
CLEAN slanted across Glandore's form,
showing the CHASTITY rigid face and
staring eyes.
AS Lily bent closer. she saw what
made her shrink shudderingly back
the red blood oozing from his breast.
basil. love, speak 10 me y she cried
ia agonized tones. "what Is ity Who
has done this cowardly thingy Was IL
your"
She turned so iiercely on Ralph,
that had he not been prepared with an
answer. he must assuredly have be-
tsayed his crime.
AS Il was, he laid his hand tenderly
on her shoulder. speaking TO her in a
low compassio voice.
My dear Lily why should have
done IL! | only arrived one moment
before You. and found Basil standing
near the table. one hand clutching the
cloth. started forward TO catch him
before he fell. but as did SO the lamp
was dragged TO the floor, leaving us In
darkness; my hand had only touched
him when he dropped"
Lily started erect, and pointed 70 the
door.
go for help; whilst we are wasting
time here he may be dying! Let the
grounds be searched for the coward
who struck himr'
In a few moments the terrified peo-
Pile had gathered in the room, and
lights flashed over Basil's still form.
LILY knelt beside him, his head on
her breast, whilst the crimson blood
dyed her pure white dress; her eyes
were fixed on his face with perfect
despair. her hands tried In vain 70 feel
the faint beatinQs OF his heart